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Spotify Deal Collapses, Sparking Brand Concerns for Sussexes

  //media-entertainment.news-articles.net/content/ .. lapses-sparking-brand-concerns-for-sussexes.html
  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, February 24th 2026 at 11:39 GMT by Daily Express
      Locales: UNITED STATES, UNITED KINGDOM

Sussexes Face Mounting Scrutiny as Spotify Deal Crumbles: Is the Brand Losing its Shine?

Los Angeles, CA - February 24th, 2026 - The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are once again navigating turbulent waters as their high-profile podcasting deal with Spotify has officially collapsed. The announcement, made earlier today, marks the latest in a series of setbacks for the couple's post-royal ventures, raising significant questions about the longevity of "Brand Sussex" and their ability to maintain a prominent public profile.

The reported GBP15 million ($18.75 million USD) deal, struck in 2020, promised 80 episodes of podcast content from Archewell Productions. However, after releasing a limited number of episodes - headlined by Meghan Markle's 'Archetypes' - Spotify has confirmed it will be streamlining its podcasting efforts in-house, effectively ending the partnership. Both Spotify and Archewell have released carefully worded statements emphasizing a mutual agreement, but the undercurrent of disappointment is palpable.

This isn't an isolated incident. The Spotify collapse follows a similarly truncated partnership with Netflix, leaving many industry observers to question the couple's business strategy and ability to deliver on ambitious content commitments. While initial excitement surrounding their move to establish independent production companies was high, the lack of substantial, long-term projects is becoming increasingly concerning.

"This is absolutely devastating for Harry and Meghan," states PR expert Becky Hudson, speaking to GB News. "They've lost a deal worth a reported GBP15 million. This is yet another sign that their brand isn't what it used to be. People are just not that interested anymore." Hudson's assessment echoes a growing sentiment within media circles that the initial public fascination with the couple has begun to wane.

The initial appeal of Harry and Meghan stemmed from their willingness to challenge royal traditions and speak openly about their experiences. Their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021 captivated a global audience, but subsequent projects haven't maintained the same level of impact. The limited output, coupled with perceived inconsistencies in their messaging, has led to criticism and a decrease in public engagement.

Analysts suggest several factors are at play. The highly competitive streaming landscape is demanding consistently engaging content, and the cost of production is skyrocketing. Spotify, in particular, has been under pressure to demonstrate profitability and is now prioritizing in-house productions. However, the Sussexes' failure to produce the agreed-upon number of episodes, despite the significant financial investment, undoubtedly contributed to the decision.

Furthermore, the couple's consistent criticism of the Royal Family, while resonating with some, has alienated others. A recent poll conducted by YouGov indicates a notable decline in favorability ratings for both Harry and Meghan across key demographics, particularly in the United Kingdom. The ongoing familial rift, combined with the perceived lack of concrete achievements beyond tell-all interviews and limited content creation, is eroding their public image.

Archewell Productions maintains that it will continue to produce podcasts independently. However, securing future partnerships may prove challenging given the recent setbacks. The company will likely need to demonstrate a clear and viable business model, focusing on consistently high-quality content and a well-defined target audience.

The situation begs the question: can Harry and Meghan rebuild their brand and reclaim their position as cultural influencers? Success will depend on their ability to adapt to the evolving media landscape, prioritize consistent content creation, and potentially reassess their overall communication strategy. The Spotify collapse is not merely a financial loss; it's a significant reputational blow that demands a strategic and comprehensive response. The future of Archewell Productions, and the Sussexes' continued relevance, hangs in the balance.